Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all the festivities leading up to Christmas, there is no doubt this is the sweetest time of year! Given this, there is no better time than the present to indulge in a little something special after dinner. Here are some must-try treats at restaurants across the Valley all season long:
The Show Stopper at ZuZu
This is perhaps the best-named dessert in the world. Launched in May 2017, it stops whatever show may be happening at the table when it comes, mainly because it is the star of its own. This over-the-top take on a milkshake was inspired by the classics served in sweet shoppes in the 1950s. Though it changes monthly based on pastry chef Maria Arenas’ inspiration and imagination, the Show Stopper always starts with a milkshake base. From there, house-made desserts ranging from cheesecake and s’mores, to classic candy like lollipops and chocolate bars are piled high on top. This fall, though their exact recipes are under wraps, expect a spooky shake in October, caramel-blasted beauty in November and snow-themed dessert in December. Shakes start at $20 and boozy versions are available for an added cost. $1 from each shake is donated to a different nonprofit each month.
Key Lime Pie at Macintosh and Grassroots
When chef Christopher Collins introduced one of his own personal favorite desserts—homemade key lime pie—to the dessert menu at a handful of his local concepts, he had no idea it would take on a life of its own. Always eager to evolve and change, Collins has attempted to take this dish off his menu before, only to have guests go so far as to shed tears to get it back (true story!). It is available daily at Macintosh and Grassroots for $9 a slice and as an occasional special at Neighborly Public House, Collins Bros. Chophouse, The Collins, and Wally’s. The pie’s filling is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with ample freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest. The crunchy, crumbly graham cracker crust explodes with buttery goodness, brown sugar, and cinnamon spice.
Caramel Apple Swirl Cheesecake at Proof Canteen
Like its main menu offerings, each of Proof Canteen’s decadent desserts is meant to transport guests on a cross-country road trip down the main streets of America, one bite at a time. Though the menu changes seasonally, the core focus is always on elevating home-style desserts. So, those who love sundaes, milkshakes, giant cookies, and s’mores are always in luck. This season, those looking for the flavors of fall can rejoice thanks to the release of a Caramel Apple Swirl Cheesecake. Available for $12 per slice, it is a mouthwatering pairing of caramel swirl cheesecake and fire-roasted apple chutney, complemented by whipped crème fraiche and a brown sugar oat crunch. And a bonus: it is gluten-free.
La Bomba at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
As with Proof, this concept – a masterpiece from celebrity chef Richard Sandoval – is all about taking guests on a journey, albeit this one is across South America via its pan-Latin cuisine. The grand finale of any table’s voyage should be sharing La Bomba, which is $32 and worth every penny. A celebration of Latin and American flavors, La Bomba comes to the table in a giant chocolate sphere about the size of a bowling ball. Guests are then asked to chant “1, 2, 3 La Bomba,” which is the cue for the server to drop the sphere on the table (which has been wrapped in plastic ahead of time). Upon reaching the table, the sphere bursts open, revealing to the party there is a mountain of seasonal sorbet, dulce de leche ice cream, pistachio ice cream, berries, almond crumble, and vanilla and candied pistachios inside. The server finishes the wild dessert with salted caramel, vanilla bean anglaise, and raspberry sauces before asking the wowed group to grab a spoon and dig in.
Churro Tree at LONs at The Hermosa Inn
Globally inspired fare is the hallmark of LON’s menu. Given the history of the churro—the cinnamon treat originated in ancient times and has been noted in cultures ranging from China to Portugal—they are the perfect end to any meal at this Paradise Valley hotspot. The dough is made in-house daily and cooked to order with just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar dust, assuring a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth bite every single time. The presentation is as big as the flavor as the churros come hanging from a wrought-iron tower accompanied by three dipping sauces: Mexican chocolate, caramel, and passion fruit curd. The tree is available after dinner for $19 as well as during brunch and lunch service as well.
Vanilla Crème Brûlée at B&B Cocktail Lounge
Sometimes simple is just the sinful best! This $12 ticket to tastebud heaven is the perfect way to close out a night of small bites and outrageous cocktails at the newly opened extension of Bourbon & Bones Chophouse. After enjoying a New York Flight (a steak-themed tasting flight with side-by-side cuts of U.S.D.A. Prime Beef and Wagyu) or perhaps the steak au gratin, move onto dessert paired with mind-blowingly beautiful cocktails ranging from $18 to $300 each. One of our favorites is the crème brûlée for its luscious vanilla bean custard topped with perfectly charred sugar on top. There is nothing quite like that first yummy crack.
Written by Alison Bailin Batz
Photography by Luke Irvin